Trump warns of communism in Independence Day speech at Mount Rushmore
President Donald Trump delivered a Independence Day address at Mount Rushmore, emphasizing American exceptionalism and describing communism as a grave threat, while other officials held separate celebrations amid a nationwide heat wave.
President Donald Trump marked the United States' 250th anniversary with a speech at Mount Rushmore, praising the nation's exceptionalism and warning that "Communism is a mortal threat to American liberty," adding that it represents the greatest danger to the country, comparable to historic events such as World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor and 9/11.
The remarks, delivered in a national park that honors past presidents, diverged from the traditionally nonpartisan tone of previous Independence Day speeches. Trump's language recalled the anti-communist fervor of the 1950s Red Scare.
In New York City, Democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani gave his own address, describing America as a nation of contradictions working toward its founding ideals, without mentioning Trump by name.
The holiday coincided with a severe heat wave across the eastern United States. Officials urged the public to stay hydrated, and several events were altered: Philadelphia canceled its Salute to Independence parade, the Great American State Fair in Washington closed briefly before reopening, and a scheduled Washington parade was called off. The Capitol Fourth concert proceeded with performances by Patti LaBelle, Trace Adkins and members of the Artemis II mission, followed by fireworks over Mount Vernon.
Crowds gathered on the National Mall, where vendors sold lemonade and turkey legs. Among them, Glenn Brooks, who was pardoned by Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, expressed gratitude for participating in the event.
Across the country, citizens reported mixed feelings about the milestone. A recent Associated Press-NORC poll found that about 40% of adults felt proud of the anniversary, while roughly 30% described themselves as excited. Individual reactions ranged from optimism about local community activities to concerns about political division and personal issues such as health care.
Organizers from Freedom 250, a group aligned with the White House, coordinated many Washington activities, while the bipartisan America 250 organization managed celebrations in other cities, including a concert in Los Angeles and ball drops in New York.
